The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has welcomed Senator Ned Nwoko into the party following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the Senate, cited the ongoing leadership crisis in the PDP as the main reason for his decision to switch sides.
In his letter to the Senate, which was read during Wednesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Nwoko stated that the PDP’s internal struggles had weakened its ability to function as an effective opposition. He noted that the divisions within the party had created an unfavorable political atmosphere, making it difficult for him to effectively serve his constituents.
“The continued deterioration of the PDP raises serious concerns about the future of our multi-party democracy,” Nwoko wrote. He also warned that Nigeria risked becoming a one-party state if urgent steps were not taken to address the PDP’s crisis.
While welcoming Nwoko, Ganduje expressed confidence that the APC was on track to take full control of Delta State in the next governorship election. He stated that with all three senators from Delta now in the APC, the party had a strong foundation to build on.
“We are happy to receive you, distinguished Senator Nwoko. There’s no doubt that our leader, President Bola Tinubu, is focused and visionary. Immediately he came in, he knew what to do and introduced some reforms. Even though they are painful, they are unavoidable reforms,” Ganduje said.
He further noted that progress had already been made under the current administration, pointing to improvements in oil production, refinery operations, and national security. Ganduje urged APC members in Delta to unite and work together, emphasizing that internal democracy would be upheld within the party’s state chapter.
Nwoko, in his resignation letter to the PDP leadership in his local ward, explained that the deep divisions and factions within the party had made it difficult to advance the collective interests of the people. He urged the Senate to set up a committee to investigate the PDP’s internal crisis and find solutions to restore a viable opposition in Nigeria.
“I remain committed to serving the people of Delta North and contributing to the progress of our dear nation,” he wrote, requesting that his new party affiliation be officially recorded in Senate documents.
